Arsenal have survived a massive scare in their pursuit of the Premier League title as they came back from two goals down to beat Bournemouth 3-2 with a last-gasp winner from Reiss Nelson, in a rip-roaring contest in north London.
Relegation-threatened Bournemouth scored the second-quickest Premier League goal of all time after nine seconds of play through Philip Billing, and despite Arsenal's domination, Marcos Senesi made it 2-0 for the visitors before the hour.
But then began an Arsenal comeback that could prove a pivotal moment in the title race.
Thomas Partey prodded a shot past Bournemouth keeper Neto just past the hour mark, and eight minutes later substitute Ben White's volley crossed the line despite Neto's desperate dive.
With the Emirates Stadium crowd roaring their side on it appeared Bournemouth had held on for a precious point in their fight against relegation, but substitute Nelson's sensational strike seven minutes into stoppage time sealed a remarkable win.
Arsenal restored their five-point lead over Manchester City, who had won earlier, with 63 points from 26 games.
Elsewhere, a leaping header from France defender Wesley Forfana earned Chelsea a rare goal and win against struggling Leeds United, easing pressure on coach Graham Potter.
Chelsea were dominant in the first half and on-loan Portuguese Joao Felix rattled the bar but it was not until the 53rd minute that Fofana put away Ben Chilwell's corner. Fans greeted the goal - only the second scored at home in 2023 - with surprise and relief.
It was the first win since January 15 for Potter's side who were forced to defend in numbers in the second half as Leeds, who have earned only six points away from home this season, sought an equaliser.
The narrow and not entirely convincing win leaves Chelsea in 10th place but is a boost before their second leg last-16 Champions League game with Dortmund at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, when they need to score twice to overcome a 1-0 deficit.
Reuters.
